How many of these topics is your bank or credit union grappling with on a regular basis? In most cases, the answer is probably all of the above – which is why you need to be in Boston this June for the 2019 FMS Forum.

Our recently released schedule of topics and speakers for this highly anticipated event includes some of the brightest minds in the industry covering a wide array of the biggest issues facing financial institutions today – including those you see here. So whether you choose to build your Forum around one specific educational track – be it finance, accounting, risk management/internal audit, strategic issues or profitability – or mix and match from among the various sessions, you’re sure to come away with some great ideas to take back to your institution.

For years, institutions have been positioning their balance sheets to be ready for the seemingly inevitable rise in interest rates from their historic lows. But even as the Federal Reserve eventually started to slowly raise rates and it looked as though the long-anticipated steady climb was all but certain, there are subtle signs beginning to emerge that the Fed may now in fact hit the brakes on that strategy, or perhaps even head in the opposite direction. So what do those plans look like now?

Join us for an FMS webinar on Tuesday, February 26, as Scott Hildenbrand of Sandler O’Neill + Partners discusses the emerging theme of down-rate risk and its impact on the community banking landscape in “Balance Sheet Strategy: Protecting Against Potentially Decreasing Rates.” You’ll come away with some great ideas for tactical balance sheet repositioning, off-balance sheet hedging and liability restructuring, among other ways to potentially approach this developing challenge.

As always, this webinar is complimentary for FMS members. (Not a member? Join
today!)

It’s that time of year again to express your appreciation for someone (or more than one someone) by nominating them for the annual FMS Awards and Scholarship Program. Our aim is to recognize and honor all of the good work our members are doing in the financial industry.

We’re excited to hear about the great work your institution is doing and the bright people responsible for doing it. So start thinking about those around you who deserve to be celebrated and let us know by the nominating deadline of Friday, April 19, 2019.

Does your institution have a rock-solid customer base built on well-tended long-term relationships? Terrific! But just how likely is it that those customers will stick with you if a rival bank or credit union down the street starts pushing a particularly attractive rate special, or if one of the big banks unveils some amazing new tech toy?

These are the kinds of moments and circumstances that will reveal just how loyal your customers are to your brand, and that topic of loyalty (or lack thereof) is exactly how we’ll be kicking off the 2019 FMS Forum in Boston with a keynote presentation by renowned loyalty expert James Kane in our opening general session on Monday, June 24. Touching on areas as diverse as neurology, anthropology and behavioral psychology to bridge the gap between business and science, Kane promises to get attendees thinking outside the banking box to see the bigger picture of what it means to truly satisfy their customers’ expectations.

It’s sure to be a great start to several days of outstanding education and networking, so don’t miss out – reserve your spot today!

The key is to understand that there are ways to do so without burning bridges or being seen as a perpetual scourge on the organization – here are a few things to keep in mind.

Compassion counts
Every negative audit finding is a lesson in the making, but IA doesn’t have to come across as a scold. It’s possible – and preferable – to make sure everyone understands exactly where the missteps or shortcomings occurred without necessarily wagging an accusatory finger.

Focus on balance
Even an audit that uncovers a few bad apples will have its share of positives as well. So when it comes time to disclose the findings, IA can soften the blow by focusing on some of the things that are going right in addition to those that are less appealing.

Resist the bargain
A common reaction to bad news for many people is to try and do some horse-trading to lessen the impact of the negative findings. But IA needs to remain committed to reporting the truth – both the good and the bad – in order to soundly serve the institution. Don’t break – or bend.

If your New Year’s resolution was to seek out new opportunities to learn and grow, FMS has you covered during the first two weeks of February, as we roll out two excellent webinar options.

First up on February 6, Ken Levey and Bryan Ridgway of Kaufman Hall delve into the results of their recent financial executive survey in “2019 CFO Outlook: Insights and Recommendations.” Then on February 13, Dominic Serrao of Velligan-Blaxall Consultants presents “Preparing Your BSA Modeling Environment,” outlining a number of fundamental modeling governance considerations to help you feel confident about any audit or examination.

If you’re an FMS member, these webinars are complimentary – register now to earn CPE credits and gain insights that will help make your 2019 more successful!

It may be cruel to talk up the promise of June just as the polar vortex tightens its grip on a large swath of the country. But looking ahead is a great distraction from the mess outside one’s winter window, and now just happens to be a great time to start thinking about the 2019 FMS Forum.

And while details surrounding the full education lineup for the Forum are still falling into place, you can certainly get a head start on planning how to spend some of your downtime in Boston. Whether you want to hop aboard a famous duck boat to take in some of the city’s most famous sights or spend a sunny summer morning touring the glorious green grass (and Green Monster) of venerable Fenway Park, our optional activities will help ensure that your trip to this historic city includes a healthy dose of fun to accompany all of the terrific insights and networking opportunities.